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Thursday, March 22, 2012

I have always loved Cinderella. The Disney movie came out when I was 7 years and 1 month old. I thought at the time that the best thing in the world would be if I had a movie theatre in my home and a movie camera and the reel from Disney, and could watch Cinderella anytime I want. I never thought that would happen but guess what? On my kitchen counter is a miniature movie theatre called a dvd player and right beside it sits a dvd of Disney’s Cinderella.

In my room I have a replica of Cinderella’s castle along with other castles, and several coaches, the kind Cinderella rode in. And I have the Cinderella story figurines and several Cinderella dolls. Put up - where I can get to it anytime I want - is the Cinderella “play castle” (like a doll house) that my husband bought me when we went to Disneyworld in December. That was the same week that my three daughters surprised me with a luncheon at Cinderella’s castle, including a picture of the four of us with Cinderella - because they knew there was nothing I would like more!

I’ve really questioned myself on my indulgence in this childhood fascination and also worried that I am way too much of a romantic. But the Lord showed me something this week and I am grateful to Him.

I’ve always known that the books Heidi and Pollyanna had a great deal to do with who I became. Much more than the Bible - which I didn’t read until I was in my twenties. But I realized some years ago that those two books both quote the Bible and are parables - stories of Christian girls who overcame some tough circumstances with the help of the Lord. They adopted attitudes based on Christian principles and taught me how to walk in love - as well as I was able at the time.

But what about Cinderella? This week when I was questioning the Lord about whether my Cinderella collection is wrong, He showed me something. When I think about the movie, it’s not the romantic dance with the Prince I remember; it’s not the scene where the fairy godmother transforms her into a beautifully dressed young lady ready to go to the ball. What I remember most about Cinderella is her gentleness when abused, her self-control when fussed at and lied about, her happiness about a made-over dress, her ability to sing and rejoice in circumstances of poverty and overwork. She got angry and she got sad, but always she had hope - and kindness.

No wonder she was my heroine. Heidi and Pollyanna came later, but Cinderella was the first one who showed me a lifestyle of hope and kindness, who showed me that a choice of goodness will result in joy.

And I realized that when I look at my “childish” collection, that message is what resonates in my heart.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2,3

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About Me

Hi, I'm Amy Barkman. I've been the Director of Voice of Joy Ministries since 1979, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors since 1989, and the pastor of Mortonsville United Methodist Church in Central Kentucky since 1998.

I'm happily married - we recently celebrated our 30th anniversary. Between the two of us, we have five wonderful daughters and thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Besides holding workshops, retreats, and private prayer appointments, I hope I can serve through this website.

I'll be looking forward to meeting you and discovering the Lord's love for you, just as if we were sitting in my parlour with Him.